Fishing question:: great all-around rod and reel combo for saltwater...?

Question

I haven't been fishing in YEARS and wanted to get back into it doing some inshore (possibly offshore) saltwater fishing here in Southern California. I was looking at the Penn GT level wind combo... Is this a good quality all-around rig to buy? Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Yes the Penn GT is a good selection for saltwater. However my preference go's with a Shakespeare Ugly Stick( choice from light action to heavy duty Halibut). Match this rod with an Ambassedeur baitcast level wind. The C3 or C4 series have the stainless steel bearings which handle the saltwater great. The 6000C3 or 6500C3 are great for 20lb or less fish, and the 7000C3 or 10000C3 will handle your bigger offshore species. I put my combo set ups through the ringer so I need something that will last. 40yrs of fishing experience, mostly salt water. Currently a guide of 3 yrs in Northwest BC. Good luck

Answer 2

As others have said, the Ugly stick is great. As far as reels, find one with the best satlwater performance and resistance ot "gumming up". I am usinga Shimano reel right now but I have notices that there may be some gumming up due to the saltwater. This is a notorious problem and unfortunately you may have to spend some $$$ to get a good reel which will last. Have fun!!!

Answer 3

For an all-around outfit you generally want one for 20 pound line. My favorite is a Calstar 270-8 rod, with a Daiwa SL30SH reel. I've caught everything from sand bass and halibut to yellowtail, tuna, and wahoo on it, and even landed a 120 pound marlin on it about 10 years ago.

The Penn 535 GS is similar size, and from what I've heard, it's a good reel as well. What you want is a sturdy reel with a good gear ratio (5 to 1 or so) and a strong, smooth drag.

In general, you'll also want a fast action rod like a Calstar or a Seeker. Rods from freshwater manufacturers tend to bend too much, and you can't work a heavy fish effectively with them, plus you'll have trouble casting a 4-5 ounce jig or bait with them.

The level wind mechanism tends to shorten your casts, since the force of the cast has to get the mechanism moving back and forth, as well as spinning the spool, and it adds more size and weight to the reel without increasing line capacity, plus it's one more thing to get jammed or break. You very seldom see people on the charter or open party boats with level wind reels (except for the small fresh-water ones like Shimano Calcuttas used inshore for bass). For inshore fishing you can use these, or even larger spinning reels, but if you're after tuna or yellowtail (fish over 15 pounds or so) you want conventional tackle.

For tackle suggestions, some of the San Diego long range boats have web pages mentioning some specific models, and while these are generally for bigger fish (20-100+ pounds), the lighter outfits they mention (20-30 pound test) are good for local fishing. (I've never seen them recommend level-wind or spinning gear.)

Answer 4

Go with the Penn Spinfisher V if you got the ~$150, they are supposibly water proof. They have a full metal body and strong build.If you can't afford that, go with the Penn Fierce or Pursuit with the Fierce your first choice as it has a full metal body as well. I have all 3 of these and they are great, they dont break down like most cheaper reels, even shimanos get rust buildup, but these don't. the only setback is that they r a bit heavy, but its well worth it.

Answer 5

Good reel. As far as fishing rods, try Shakespeare Ugly Stick, best buy for the buck. If you can spend more, go for St. Croix Triumph fishing rod.

Answer 6

good answers!
Ugly stiks and Abu reels hey check out the Okuma line of casting reels too!

Answer 7

penn gt ( if you are refering to the gti gt2) is a good reel to get. its graphite frame wont corrode and the drags used in that reel is pretty good.

Answer 8

some other people are right that ugly stik and shakespeare are good but shimano is really good they sell really smooth reels and stuff like that